Here's how getting healthy today can save you additional costs later

Ever thought being healthy can make you wealthy? Read to know how healthy habits can make you richer in the long run.

You probably get health advice from everyone you meet – ‘don’t eat oily food’, ‘exercise every morning’, ‘take the stairs’, ‘get more sleep’ and much more. But you rarely pay attention to it, let alone act on it.

In the past few years, being ‘healthy’ has taken on a renewed definition and importance. This might be due to the steep rise in healthcare costs. So, here’s one more reason for you to get healthy – did you know that being healthy can eventually make you wealthy?

Have a look at how healthy practices can help you save money:

1. Save on doctor/hospital visits (and the subsequent costs)

Around 45% of Indian millennials (20-45 years) frequently consult doctors for lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac diseases, cancer, obesity etc., says Lybrate’s annual report. The cost of treating and living with these diseases can go up to Rs. 35 lakh in some cases.

There’s a reason why these diseases are called ‘lifestyle’ diseases - they are the result of all unhealthy habits that you might have, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, eating oily, fast-food, not getting enough exercise or sleep etc. For instance, a life insurance premium for a smoker costs 1.5 or 2 times more than that for a non-smoker.

You may argue that you don’t have enough time or energy to care for your health, but starting with small changes to your routine – taking the stairs, cycling to and from office, snacking on fruits, getting regular exercise etc. can help you prevent lifestyle-related illnesses.

Eight percent of Indians eat out as an alternative to cooking. If you are one of these people, you probably spend a large part of your income on food. Ordering pizza about 5-6 times a month can end up costing you almost Rs. 4,500.

Eating out is not only expensive but unhealthy too. Buy fresh vegetables and fruits, and make yourself a tasty salad – an effortless, nutritional and inexpensive meal. Nowadays, the internet is bursting with numerous quick, easy-to-cook recipes that are also healthy.

Almost 70% of Indians spend their entire income on healthcare, including drugs. Unhealthy lifestyle choices result in low immunity and therefore, health issues like cold, cough, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

Maintaining your health will eliminate the need to spend additional money on pills – whether it is to suppress health issues or compensate for lack of a nutritious diet.

4. Save on your health insurance premium

Some health insurance providers offer discounts on your premium if you match the fitness criteria that they set. This practice is based on simple logic - if you are healthy, you are less likely to fall sick and claim the insured amount, thereby saving the insurance provider’s cost.

It is for this reason that providers such as ICICI Lombard and Apollo Munich Health Insurance give you discounts or reward points for participating in their fitness programmes which often include walking, running, swimming, etc.

The long and short of it is that staying healthy has a positive effect not only on your health but also on other aspects of your life – money being one of the frontrunners.

The key to this change, as with most habits, is to take it one step at a time. We all know old habits die hard, but by taking control of your choices, you’ll set yourself on your way to a healthier and wealthier life.